ITDigest’s Interview With Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, Founder at Astra Tech
Leaders should never underestimate the importance of the network effect when building a business; it’;s crucial to be surrounded by talent.
As someone with a significant impact on the MENA region’s consumer technology sector, could you elaborate on the innovative features and services offered by the Ultra-platform under your leadership at Astra Tech, and how it addresses the challenge of platform fatigue?
Since the inception of Astra Tech, our vision was crystal clear; create a digital ecosystem aimed at simplifying people’s lives and revolutionizing the consumer technology sector in the MENA region, by addressing a prevalent issue in today’s world: the hundreds of thousands of apps that are flooding people’s phones and causing exhaustion from an excess amount of choices.
This led to the strategic acquisition of Botim,a VoIP app, along with PayBy, a fintech platform, and Rizek, an on-demand home services provider, all of which were seamlessly integrated and resulted in the transformation of Botim into the world’s first Ultra app.
The innovative features of the Ultra app play a pivotal role in redefining the user experience. One notable feature is the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, such as BotimGPT, and the first executional Arabic LLM, our proprietary AI solution that is set to empower users to perform tasks using a simple text feature. Our commitment goes beyond mere innovation, as we create an inclusive platform accessible to individuals, regardless of income, age and financial backgrounds. This dedication to inclusivity is in every facet of our development process
Today, the Botim Ultra-App has over 150 million users globally, seamlessly integrating fintech, e-commerce, bill and fine payments and more.
Abdallah, in your journey of kick-starting groundbreaking innovations, could you share specific examples of projects or initiatives that showcase your focus on sustainability, mobility, and digitization in the digital marketplace and EV sector?
While my current focus isn’t exclusively on the electric vehicle (EV) sector with my latest venture, I do recognize its significance in the broader context of sustainability and the future of mobility and do believe that in today’s landscape, it is inevitable that sustainability, mobility, and digitization are interconnected.
My first business was in Africa, where my late father’s aviation business had a strong presence, prompted by a conversation with the then President of The Gambia who asked me, "Can you build a renewable energy project?’ And I was like, "Sure, I can do this", and that is how Lux started, amassing $700 million in assets within three years. This opened the door for my next venture Barq, the MENA’s pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, at the age of 25.
Through these experiences, I’ve realized my passion lies in creating impactful ventures. I constantly find myself asking the question, "How can I build something that changes people’s lives?"
Through Astra Tech, we are addressing the needs of untapped segments such as the underserved and underbanked, creating a cost-effective and self-sufficient ecosystem for consumers and businesses alike.
An example is our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. Recognizing the potential for improved communication between farmers and buyers, we implemented a solution enabling farmers to utilize a familiar app. By facilitating direct connections between farmers and consumers through a familiar app, we eliminate intermediaries, supporting local farmers by digitally empowering on one side and providing Botim users access to fresh produce. In doing so, we not only digitally empower local farmers but also offer Botim users convenient access to fresh produce. This approach not only supports the agricultural community but also aligns with sustainability goals.
As we continue to evolve, we anticipate incorporating sustainability and mobility initiatives more prominently into our innovation roadmap, aligning with global trends and the growing importance of environmentally conscious practices.
Also Read: https://itdigest.com/business-technology/itdigests-interview-with-abdallah-abu-sheikh-founder-at-astra-tech/
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